ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Indian Army Makes all out Effort to Hand over Body of Seven Year Old Abid of Gilgit
On 09 July, a dead body was recovered from the Burzil Nala close to Line of Control near Acchura village. The Indian Army immediately swing into action and were able to establish the identity of the young boy through civil administration as a seven year old Abid Ahmad Sheikh resident of Minimarg across the Line of Control in Gilgit region.
As per the reports on social media, the young Abid was missing since 08 Jul 19 and is likely to have slipped into Burzil Nala. In accordance to its ethos, as a humanitarian gesture Indian Army established contact with Pakistan Army on hot line and also convinced the civil administration to delay the last rites. The local religious head and village elders were taken in confidence to support the noble gesture of handing over the dead body to the family of the deceased young boy at earliest. The locals offered prayers for the deceased at the Dawar Mosque. The social media kept buzzing throughout the day with humanitarian requests to hand over the dead body of the young Abid from both sides of the line of control.
On 10 Jul 19, local Commanders at Gurez made sincere efforts to hand over the dead body to the Pakistan Army commander in Minimarg. Finally the commanders at highest level of Indian Army had to intervene and the dead body has been handed over to Pakistan Army on 11 Jul 19 near Village Dudhgai.
The locals appreciated the efforts of Indian Army to assuage the distress of the family members on Humanitarian grounds on Pakistan side of LC.
Lt Col Mohit Vaishnava
for PRO 
(Visitor Counter : 825
Ministry of Finance
Increased limit for tax exemption on leave encashment for non-government salaried employees notified
The tax exemption on leave encashment of non-government salaried employees  was earlier upto a limit of Rs.3 lakh only under section 10 of the Income-tax Act,1961.
In pursuance to the proposal in the Budget Speech, 2023, by the hon’ble FM, the Central Government has notified the increased limit for tax exemption on leave encashment on retirement or otherwise of non-government salaried employees to Rs. 25 lakh w.e.f. 01.04.2023.
The aggregate amount exempt from income-tax under section 10 of the Act shall not exceed the limit of Rs. 25 lakh where any such payments are received by a non-government employee from more than one employer in the same previous year.
Further, the amount exempt from income-tax under section 10 of the Act shall not exceed the limit of Rs. 25 lakh as reduced by the tax exemption already allowed in the total income of the employee under section 10 of any previous year or years.
Notification No.31/2023 dated 24.05.2023 has been published and is available at https://egazette.nic.in.
Ministry of Defence
Curtain Raiser: Indo-Sri Lanka joint Exercise Mitra shakti-VI
Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and interaction between armies of India & Sri Lanka. The joint exercise for the year 2018-19 will be conducted from 26 March to 08 April 2019 in Sri Lanka. Troops from 1st Battalion the BIHAR Regiment of the Indian Army and Gemunu Watch Battalion of Sri Lankan Army would be jointly undertaking the exercise.
The aim of the exercise is to build and promote close relations between armies of both the countries and to enhance ability of joint exercise commander to take military contingents of both nations under command. The exercise will involve tactical level operations in an international Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist environment under United Nations mandate. Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-VI will go a long way in further cementing relationship between both the nations and will act as a catalyst in bringing synergy and cooperation at grassroots levels between both the armies.
Lt Col Mohit Vaishnava
for PRO 
(Visitor Counter : 2053
Ministry of Textiles
Scheme to Promote Textile Products
Union Budget 2021-22 announcements include launch of the scheme of setting up mega investment textile parks. Seven mega textile parks will be set up in next three years. These parks will enable the textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investment and boost employment generation. The scheme will enable creation of global champions in exports.
The Production Linked Investment scheme of Rs 10,683/- crore over a five year period covering MMF and Technical Textiles sector has been announced which will create global champions in exports and domestic production in textile sector will also grow substantially.
Government of India is also implementing a number of scheme for promotion of textile sector. These include Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme , Schemes for the development of the Powerloom Sector, Schemes for Technical Textiles, Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks , Scheme for Additional Grant for Apparel Manufacturing Units under SITP , SAMARTH- The Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector , Jute , Integrated Processing Development Scheme , Silk Samagra, National Handloom Development Programme, National Handicraft Development Programme, Integrated Wool Development Programme , North East Region Textiles Promotion Scheme , Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies , Scheme for Production and Employment Linked Support for Garmenting Units  etc.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
IREDA Q2 Results: PBT rises 76.16% to ₹ 276.31 Crore,
Net NPAs reduced from 4.87% to 2.72%
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- Profit Before Tax and Profit After Tax up by 76.15% and 67.14% to Rs 276.31crore and Rs 184.30, respectively
- Gross Income up by 15.90% to Rs 791.56 crore
- Net-worth up by 69.16% to Rs 5,638.31 crore
- Loan Book and Loan Sanction up by 17.07% and 89.47%
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency , a PSU under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy , today announced audited financial results for the second quarter ended September 30, 2022. The company has posted Profit Before Tax  of ₹ 276.31 Crore, which is 76.15% higher compared to ₹156.86 crore in the Q2 of the previous financial year. IREDA's Net Non-Performing Assets  have been reduced to 2.72% in Q2, FY 2022-23 from 4.87% in Q2, FY 2021-22, a significant reduction of 44% YoY.
Highlights of Q2, FY 2022-23 as compared to the corresponding period during Q2, FY 2021–22 are as follows:
• Profit Before Tax: ₹276.31 crore as against ₹156.86 crore 
• Profit After Tax: ₹184.30 crore as against ₹110.27 crore 
• Gross Income: ₹791.56 crore as against ₹682.94 crore 
• Net-worth: ₹5,638.31 crore as against ₹3,333.19 crore 
• Loan Book: ₹33,783.36 crore as against ₹28,856.48 crore 
• Loan Sanction: ₹11,226.49 crore as against ₹5925.12 crore 
• Net NPAs: 2.72% as against 4.87% 
• Gross NPAs: 5.06% as against 8.05% 
Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director , IREDA, highlighted: "IREDA has registered growth in quarterly PBT and PAT by 76.15% and 67.14% respectively, and has also registered a significant reduction in gross and net NPAs, which is a big achievement for any NBFC.
CMD, IREDA highlighted that this would not have been possible without the contribution of Team IREDA. He thanked all employees for their consistent hard work and support. He conveyed his sincere gratitude to Shri R. K. Singh, Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, and Shri Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State, New & Renewable Energy, Chemicals & Fertilizers, for their continuous guidance and support. Shri Das also conveyed his gratitude for the abiding support received from the Secretary and other officials of MNRE and the Board of Directors.
Ministry of Finance
T20 World Cup Silver Souvenir released by India Govt. Mint, Kolkata
The India Government Mint, Kolkata  today launched the in-house designed, Souvenir Coin of 40 Grams, 44 Mm Diameter with 999 silver purity colored silver on the theme of T20 World Cup.
For booking please visit https://indiagovtmint.in.
PIB Headquarters
ECHS MEDICAL COLLEGE POLYCLINIC RELOCATED
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme  Medical College Polyclinic working under Ministry of Defence and Station Headquarters Trivandrum has been relocated from Prasanth Nagar to a new building near the post office at Kottamukku. Brigadier Micheal A.J Fernandez, Station Commander Pangode Military Station inaugurated the Polyclinic, today  by lighting the lamp. Mrs Pearl Fiona Fernandez, Chairperson, FWO, 91 Inf Bde, Lt Gen Thomas Mathew, PVSM , Serving Officers of Pangode Military camp and Veterans from all three Services attended the function.
, Officer-in-charge Polyclinic and staff members explain about the servicer and new facilities provided at the Polyclinic. Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme has started since 2003 and provides medical treatment and insurance to the Veterans of the Armed Forces, widows and their dependents through the Polyclinics.
Ministry of Defence
Scholarship for Wards of Deceased Personnel
There is no exclusive scheme to provide scholarship to the wards of deceased defence personnel.
The wards of deceased defence personnel are already covered under the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme  under National Defence Fund which is meant for wards of Ex-servicemen.
The details of the scheme are as follows:-
- Initially the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme  was started from Academic Year  2006-07 wherein students were awarded Prime Minister’s Scholarship annually @ Rs. 15,000/- for boys and Rs. 18,000/- for girls.
- With effect from AY 2012-13 the rate of scholarship under Prime Minister’s Scholarship was revised annually at the rate of Rs. 24,000/- for boys and Rs. 27,000/- for girls.
- With effect from AY 2019-20, the existing rate of scholarship has been increased annually at the rate of Rs. 30,000/- for boys and Rs. 36,000/- for girls.
- The allotment of scholarship is made on merit among the wards of Ex-servicemen including deceased defence personnel who have applied each year. No separate data of state-wise distribution of deceased personnel is maintained. However, during the last three financial years, scholarship disbursed to wards of Ex-servicemen of Rajasthan as under:-
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Financial Year
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No. of Beneficiaries
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Amount disbursed
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2016-17
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198
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Rs. 50,83,500/-
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2017-18
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221
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Rs. 56,57,875/-
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2018-19
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335
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Rs. 80,52,320/-
The ambit of PMSS has been extended to the wards of State Police officials also who are martyred during terror/naxal attacks. The quota of new scholarships for wards of state police officials will be 500 in a year from Academic Year 2019-20. Ministry of Home Affairs will be the nodal Ministry in this regard.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Narayan Lal Panchariya in Rajya Sabha today.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy/MTJ/ADA
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Armenia on joint issue of postage stamp
The Union Cabinet was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Armenia on joint issue of postage stamp. The MoU was signed in June, 2018.
As per the MoU, Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications and the National Postal Operator of Armenia  mutually agreed to jointly issue Postage Stamps on India-Armenia:Joint Issue on the theme “Dence”. The Joint stamps were released in August, 2018.
The Commemorative Postage Stamps depict “Manipuri Dance” of India and “HovArek Dance” of Armenia.
President's Secretariat
President of India pays floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today . Officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan also paid their tributes in front of a portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Earlier this morning, the President visited Sardar Patel Chowk in New Delhi to pay homage before the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Ministry of Railways
National Rail Plan aims to increase share of freight traffic from current percentage of 27 to 45 by 2030
The National Rail Plan envisages that the share of freight traffic by rail should go up from current share of 27% to 45% by 2030. The construction of Dedicated Freight Corridors  on the important high density route is an important policy measure by Indian Railways to arrest the trend of falling market share of railways in the country and also will shift the advantage in favour of rail transport. DFC operation will bring-in efficiency in freight operation and enable rail tariff being more competitive because of its following operational/design features:
- Higher throughput per wagon and per train: Run Heavy Haul trains with overall load of 13000 tonne.
- Lower Energy Consumption: Reduce Operation and Maintenances Costs
- Reduction in Transit time: Reduce logistic cost of transportation and better utilization of Rolling stock
Moreover Indian Railway has taken number of multi-pronged strategy to increase its model share in freight segment which includes tariff rationalization and Tariff/freight incentive schemes which includes; diversification of freight basket, Liberalised Automatic Freight Rebate Scheme in Traditional Empty Flow Directions, Rationalization of Station to station rates policy, Rationalization of Merry-Go- Round, Concession in short Lead Traffic, Discount in freight to fly ash traffic booked in Open/flat Stock & covered wagons, Round trip charging for ultra short lead  container traffic, Round Trip Traffic  Policy, Automobile Freight Train Operator Scheme , Introduction of Cube Container for two wheeler traffic. A New ‘Gati Shakti Multi- Modal Cargo Terminal ’ policy has also been launched to facilitate development of cargo terminals on non Railway land, as well as on Railway land  etc.
In addition, various other schemes have also been introduced to attract private investment in General Purpose Wagons, Special Purpose/High Capacity wagons and Automobile carrier wagons etc.
The divestment of CONCOR to the extent of 30.8% is based on the cabinet committee on Economic Affair approval on 20.11.2019 which is an independent activity and without any relation to para  above.
The Master Circular on “Policy for Management of Railway Land” issued on 04.10.2022 permits setting up of Renewable power plants for exclusive use of Railways for a lease period of upto 35 years @ ₹1/- per square meter  per annum. Further, it permits Hospitals selected through a transparent policy and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan for a lease period of upto 60 years @₹1/- per square meter per annum.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
AYUSH
Yoga finding its way to Cuban hearts
The rising popularity of Yoga in Cuba has been a matter of happiness to Yoga-lovers of India. This timeless gift from our ancestors is truly a universal inheritance and is now finding disciples all across the globe.
According to information received from Indian Embassy in Havana, Cuba, Prof. Eduardo Pimentel Vázquez, the President and Founder of the Cuban Yoga Association, is a leading figure for yoga in that country. He has been teaching Yoga in Cuba for 30 years, and has trained 50 instructors. This is a significant contribution to the sustainable growth of Yoga in Cuba, a country with a population of 1.13 crore.
A recent interview of Prof. Pimentel in Juventud Rebelde by Luis Raúl Vázquez Múñoz and Rafael Pinares González has been widely read in Cuba, and it throws light on how Yoga has become quite popular in the country. People of all ages are spotted in parks, rooms, and museums performing yoga, and a visitor from India cannot be faulted for a brief illusion that he is back home in Mysuru or Haridwar. The number of participants in Yoga activities in Cuba is increasing every day.
As per the interview, it was a book that changed the life of Professor Eduardo Pimentel Vázquez. He was a chess player since the age of 12 and, one day, he was gifted a book on Yoga when he saw the Yoga techniques , he started practicing by following books and he has not stopped studying Yoga since then.
Prof. Pimentel defines Yoga as a philosophy more than anything else. He further adds that Yoga is of immense interest to the western world, especially its physical practice. He has taught Yoga lessons in the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. In his last book published in 2018, Tu session de yoga  he quotes that Yoga is a preventive system and that it has been acknowledged as a part of the Traditional and Natural Medicine Department of the globally acclaimed Ministry of Public Health of Cuba since 1995.
Prof. Pimentel believes that a single posture doesn't make a yoga session. He recommends practicing a series. There are two of his favourite postures which help in releasing stress. One of them is Trikonasana which helps to reduce stress and anxiety as well as relaxes the hormones. The other is head shirshasana which helps in improving core strength and blood circulation.
Every year the International Day of Yoga  is observed in Cuba with considerable enthusiasm. In 2020 also, they observed the 6th IDY across the country, with active involvement of the Embassy of India in Havana.
MV/SK
(Visitor Counter : 621
Ministry of Home Affairs
Earthquake Mock Exercise in North East: Table Top Exercise held
The National Disaster Management Authority  conducted table-top exercises at Tripura and Nagaland today , and at Mizoram yesterday . These exercises were held in the run-up to the mock exercise on earthquake preparedness to be held in these North Eastern States tomorrow .
Concerned officers from all districts and stakeholder departments participated in the exercise. The districts confirmed that their Disaster Management Plans  had been updated, Response Teams identified and other preparations for the exercise had been put in place. This was followed by presentations by various stakeholder departments.
The table-top exercises were conducted based on scenarios created in collaboration with State Departments as per seismic mapping and other related hazards.
Independent observers were briefed about their role and standard feedback forms were given to them. Sites for the mock exercise and administrative arrangements were finalised.
Earlier, Coordination-cum-Orientation Conferences were also held to ensure the smooth facilitation of the mock exercise, which is being conducted by NDMA in collaboration with the State Disaster Management Authorities .
The National Disaster Guidelines significantly focuses on Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness for a disaster situation. In its efforts towards improving the management of a disaster situation, NDMA has so far conducted more than 600 mock exercises across the country on various disasters.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister unveils Mahatma Gandhi Bust in Hiroshima
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan on 20 May 2023.
Dignitaries present during the unveiling ceremony included H.E Mr. Nakatani Gen, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament; Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima City; Mr. Tatsunori Motani, Speaker of the Hiroshima City Assembly; Members of Parliament from Hiroshima and senior government officials; members of the Indian community; and followers of Mahatma Gandhi in Japan.
The Mahatma Gandhi bust has been gifted by the Government of India to the city of Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between India and Japan, on the occasion of the visit of the Prime Minister for the G-7 summit from 19-21 May 2023.
The 42 inches tall bronze bust has been sculpted by Padma Bhushan awardee Shri Ram Vanji Sutar. The bust site, adjacent to the Motoyasu River, is close to iconic A-Bomb Dome that is visited by thousands of people - locals and tourists alike - every day.
The location has been chosen as a mark of solidarity for peace and non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi dedicated his life to peace and non-violence. The location truly resonates with the principles and life of Gandhiji, which continue to inspire the world and its leaders.
Ministry of Defence
Two-Day Ophthalmology conference begins at Army Hospital , Delhi
The Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital  is hosting a two-day national level Continuing Medical Education  on “Innovations in Ophthalmology” EYECON-2023 at Army Hospital , Delhi Cantt.
With the vision that Innovations remain the cornerstone of any medical specialty, more so in the field of Ophthalmology which has grown in stature and sophistication by leaps and bounds over the last three decades and continues to grow further, the event was inaugurated by Lt Gen Daljit Singh, DGAFMS and Sr Col Comdt of the Army Medical Corps on Sep 4. The inaugural session was attended by national faculty and more than 150 delegates from all over the country, along with General Officers, Flag Officers, and Air Officers.
A resource CD was released during the event, followed by felicitation of stalwarts in the field of Ophthalmology - Air Marshal M S Boparai  and Lt Gen D P Vats . The keynote speaker for the event was Padma Shri Prof A K Grover, Chairman of Vision Eye Centres and Head of Dept of Ophthalmology, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, and an Oculoplasty surgeon of international repute and standing.
The academic event covered innovations in the fields of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Cataract and Intraocular lenses, Glaucoma, Vitreoretinal Surgery, Oculoplasty and Ocular Oncology, Pediatric retinal diseases, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and Medical Ethics. The event was an outstanding display of academic and innovative skills and continuing medical education in clinical practice.
ABB/ANAND
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Ministry of Defence
INAS 330 celebrates Golden Jubilee on 17 April 2021
Mumbai, 17 April 2021
Indian Naval Air Squadron  330 or the “Harpoons” celebrated its golden jubilee on 17 Apr 21. The squadron was commissioned on 17 Apr 1971 and received their baptism by fire when war between India and Pakistan broke out in Dec 1971. The squadron was initially equipped with Seaking Mk 42 ASW helicopters, acquired from British Westland Helicopters Ltd and is presently operating the Mk 42 B variant. Named as the “Flying Frigate”, the helicopter is among the most potent weapon platforms in the naval inventory capable of launching anti ship missiles, anti submarine torpedoes and depth charges.
On 26 Jul 71, Seaking landed on INS Vikrant for the first time and from that day on the indomitable team of Harpoons and the aircraft carrier Vikrant saw a series of firsts. The first operational ASW mission was flown on 18 Oct 71. On 30 Nov 71, the first vectored attack was carried out on a suspected submarine contact.
The squadron shifted to NAS Kunjali,  from INS Garuda, Kochi in Oct 1995 and has been based there ever since. The Squadron has won the coveted ‘Best Frontline Squadron’ and ‘Best Naval Air Squadron’ award on numerous occasions and continues to remain the eyes and ears of the fleet. The squadron has proved to be a force multiplier due to the Seaking's all weather, day and night capability. The unbridled commitment of the squadron is captured in its motto - ‘Any sea, Any mission, Any deck’.JPS/DR
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